West Texas Barrel Racing Association Extravaganza gallops into the Taylor County
Expo Center horse barn this Friday through Sunday.  Watch a true Texan sport and enjoy
participants of all ages. Office will open at 11:00 am Friday with exhibitions
starting from noon to 6:30 p.m. Racers 8 and under start at 7, followed by Open
4D, Youth 4D, Senior 3D who all run in the same draw. For a full schedule of
events, visit www.westtexasbarrelracingassoc.com. Call the Expo Center with any
questions: 325-677-4376.

The 20^th annual “Steam-N-Wheels Bike Race and Fun Ride” zips back into
the Big Country this Saturday at 10 am. This City of Abilene Recreation
Division and Abilene Bicycling Club sponsored event at Nelson Park gives you
the opportunity to choose from three distances: a 48-mile race/tour, a 32 and
12 mile fun ride courses. Make this a family fun event as the race is open to
all ages. Entry forms are available at www.abilenetx.com. Cost is $25 per
person until March 23 and $30 per person after that date. The first 200 entries
receive a free t-shirt. Helmets are required for all riders. Call 325-734-5301
for more information.

See who will be crowned “Miss Frontier Texas!” this Saturday at 6 p.m. at our very
own Frontier! Texas. The final 12 contestants have advanced through the
competitions by demonstrating frontier know how and showing off their rugged
skills in a variety of frontier inspired challenges. These ladies have worked
hard and made every Big Country resident proud; see which true Texas lady will
take home the prized scholarship. Congrats to the final 12 for making it this
far. Call 325-437-2800 if you need to learn more or visit www.missfrontiertexas.com.

Who is going to be the next American Idol? Who cares because Chorus Abilene brings
you Abilene Idol. The 10 finalists will compete to be the first Abilene Idol in
the Historic Paramount Theatre. Performances begin at 7 p.m., including the
guest celebrity performer, former American Idol contestant, Tim Halperin. Cost
is $10 a person. See local talent belt it out live on stage…you never know WHO
will be the next Abilene Idol! Contact Gwen Haseltine at 325-673-7464 for more
information.

The McMurry University Religious Life Council welcomes JJ Heller in the Radford
Auditorium next Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. for a highly anticipated adult
contemporary Christian concert. JJ’s fans include millions around the world and
her uplifting spiritual songs can be heard on secular, primetime television
shows. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Call the Religious Life
Office at McMurry for more information: 325-793-4776.
Don’t forget about the “Youth Art Month Exhibition” at the Grace Museum that ends on
March 24. Enjoy over 800 works of art from local elementary, middle school and
high school students. Visit www.thegracemuseum.org or call 325-673-4287 for more
information.  Remember, those same kiddos
will enjoy the first ever “Children’s Art and Literacy Festival” (CALF) that
will feature the works of Dr. Seuss during the weekend of June 14-17. Make your
plans with friends and family now to see downtown Abilene transformed into the
world of Dr. Seuss through art, interactive readings and more. Visit www.abilenecac.org/calf for more information. This special
festival is brought to you by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council.

Happy memory makin’, y’all!

Randomly recieving a phone call from Edelman, the prestigious, global PR company for the state of Texas, can be a good or a bad thing. The phone call I got last Thursday was a VERY good thing. They were calling to let me know that Peter Guttman, an award winning travel journalist and esteemed photographer had a desire to shoot West Texas for his upcoming book and his number one selling app. Would I be willing to show him around Abilene?

I don’t think you can imagine how quickly I said yes. I was so excited I think my lisp may have actually come back. “Yeth!” I exclaimed. And I got to work setting something up.

He was to stay in Sweetwater Saturday night so he could spend a lot of time with the experienced rattler wrangler who agreed to show him the ropes. I was to meet him at his house Terry Browder provided him with at the Sayles Ranch Guesthouses. I waited anxiously all weekend to hear from him. I had of course googled him and was excited to hear his stories, have him answer my questions and show him proudly around my hometown.

As I drove up to pick him up, he was standing outside his car with his camera. I gave him an (probably overly excited) wave. He motioned for me to roll down my window and I obliged.

“Howdy, Mr. Guttman! Welcome to Abilene!”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Peter. I want to get some shots why the sun is good. Can I get you to park and pose for me on the porch?”

Um. Well. What? Of course I had a good laugh until I realized he was serious. What does one say to an esteemed journalist whose works have been published in the likes of National Geographic, Time and Vogue? Whose books have won more awards than Adele has Grammys?  Whose iPad/iPhone apps are the number one selling travel apps, ever?

You say, “Uh. Sure.”  That’s what you say.

Once we got the mess of having me in front of the camera out of the way, we started out on our Abilene adventure. This world traveling journalist, who has honestly shot in over 200 countries, asked specifically if we could see the stars at the Paramount Theatre. He had remembered hearing about them years ago and wanted a chance to photograph them!  Unfortunately we couldn’t get in that night, but we did manage to take some amazing sunset shots of the marque. We also stopped at the T&P Depot for shots of stopped train and unique downtown shots until it was time to go to Perini’s in Buffalo Gap for dinner.

We arrived a little early and Peter had the opportunity to make friends with Barbadilla and explore Perini Ranch. Debi, her husband Mike Schultz and Dr. Russell Dressen met us for supper so Peter could experience a variety of us West Texas folk. Peter showed us some of his work from all over the world; I must say we were all so fascnicated. Did you know there is an actual resort that allows giraffe’s to stick their neck in your living room? We didn’t. It was simply amazing. The same man who shot that, shot all over Abilene.

On the drive back to Abilene, Peter couldn’t believe the stars! “What they say is true! The stars at night ARE big and bright!” he said. He actually had me pull over, got out of the car and took pictures of an Abilene nighttime sky…the same sky you dream under. The next day we got the opportunity to spend time at the Paramount and Frontier Texas! for a bit.  We even had breakfast at the Dixie Pig, Abilene’s oldest eatery. Always having been fascinated with people and stories, Peter enjoyed watching other patrons from his stool. “There is just a different vibe here,” he said. “You can just tell the people are so kind.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Peter was the most gracious guest; so happy with the food, the conversation and Abilene in general. This New Yorker was so genuine in his joy for experiencing all cultures: whether it be a primitive tribe in a far away land, a long-celebrated rattlesnake wrangler or even a hardworking wife and mom who is a bit obsessed with her hometown.

Peter, we loved having you and you are welcome back anytime!

The next week offers ample opportunities for you to enjoy
talented live performances of gospel, southern and Broadway tunes. Welcome
spring with the arrival of a furry friend and an outdoor show that will surely
motivate you to hit the water this summer.

Drive in this Wednesday to the Center for Contemporary Arts
to view their mid-monthie with the documentary “21st Century Art-Identity” from
noon to 1 pm. Bring a brown bag lunch and learn how contemporary art addresses
the idea of identity through the work of James Marshall , Maya Lin, Louis
Bourgeger, Michael Ray Charles and more. Admission is free to the public. Call
325-677-8389 for more information.

The Taylor County Expo Center and Bill Gaither bring you the
Bill Gaither Homecoming Tour this Friday at 7 pm. A full evening of
entertainment and meaningful music is a rare treat anytime, but when the
occasion includes the best-loved voices in gospel music… it’s a must-see
celebration! An evening hosted by Bill Gaither and featuring these artists is something you just can’t miss. It will
leave you encouraged, grateful and most certainly smiling. Cost is $19.50 to
$72.50 per person. Visit http://gaither.com/tour/gaither-homecoming-tour
for more information on this inspiring event.

Spring is in the air! The Big Country Outdoor Show gives you
the opportunity to see the latest in RVs and boating from Skeeter, Glaston,
Triton, Alumicraft, Bennington, Crownline, Yamaha, and much more at the Abilene
Civic Center. Be inspired to explore with these products this spring and
summer. Price is $2 for adults and free for children 12 and younger with an
adult ticket purchase. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Visit www.hannerrv.com or call 325-854-1133 for
more information.

The Easter Bunny hops into the Mall of Abilene this Saturday
at 11 am and will be here through April 7. Photos and packages will be
available from Cherry Hill Photo; package prices vary. Don’t miss this special
visitor! Visit www.mallofabilene.com
for more information.

2012 Grammy nominee Marcia Ball returns to the Paramount
Theatre Saturday evening for an intimate concert with her band entitled, “Live
at the Paramount: Marcia Ball in Concert.” Ball knows how to raise roofs and
tear down walls with her infectious, intelligent and deeply emotional brand of
southern boogie, rollicking, roadhouse blues and heartfelt ballads. The show
starts at 7:30 pm. Reserved seating only. Ticket prices range from $15 to $30.
If you need more information, visit www.paramount-abilene.org
or call 325-676-9620.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by stepping up your fitness.
Join the Abilene Runners Club for their St. Patty’s Day 8k at 8 am on Saturday.
This 4.97 mile race begins and ends behind the Redbud Park YMCA and will take
you through park roads, trails and into the surrounding neighborhood. 100% of
the race proceeds go to the Abilene Runner’s Club. Cost is $20-$30 per person.
Call 325-733-2196 or visit www.abilenerunners.com
to learn more.

Sing along at the Abilene Civic Center Tuesday at 7:30 pm
with the Best of Broadway series, “100 Years of Broadway.” A musical revue of
Broadway’s most celebrated shows, featuring a dazzling cast of five Broadway
stars accompanied by an all-star New York band. This performance recreates the
greatest moments from the finest shows of the century featuring the actual
stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Wicked, and
Rent. Five amazing performers light up the stage with songs from the hit shows
in which they starred. Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of
Broadway Classics, as well as, thrilling numbers from Broadway’s newest hit
shows. Visit www.celebrityattractions.com
for more information.

Nestled away, 45 miles West of Abilene, TX you’ll find Sweetwater, home to 12,000 Texans and the largest Rattle Snake Round up in the world. As an Abilene native, you would think I would have braved this event before, but snakes are not exactly my cup of tea. This year I decided to overcome my fear, so I put on my boots and headed out to see some rattlers.

Every snake taken in for this event is milked for their venom, which is then sold to pharmaceutical companies and used for anti-venom.

No one could have prepared me for what I experienced on Saturday. Yes, I knew there would be snakes and a ton of people, but I never expected the event to be quite like it was. As we pulled into town there was a line of cars as far as you could see and thousands of people gathering for what I thought would be just a “small town” event. Accompanied by a small carnival, from outside the coliseum the Rattlesnake Round up reminded me of a fair, but once I entered the coliseum of snakes it was like nothing I had ever experienced before. There were 5 different pits: one for holding snakes, one for measuring and weighing the snakes, one for milking the snakes, one for skinning the snakes and the other for safety demonstrations on how to best handle a snake encounter. From deep-fried western diamondback to snake safety demonstrations, I saw everything I could ever imagine about rattlesnakes.

When snakes are brought in they are placed in the holding pit.

Outside the building of snakes, there was also a carnival, gun and knife show, several food booths and a flea market, which I enjoyed. There is nothing better than a good West Texas flea market and the Rattle Snake Roundup’s was pretty impressive. From jewelry to antiques, there was a little something for everyone!

Crowds gathered for safety demonstrations on how to best handle a snake encounter.

Overall, the Rattlesnake Round Up was a success!! It is something that everyone must see at least once in their life. Snake lover or not, it is an experience that cannot be found in any other part of the world. Plus, for all the girls…… once you brave the snakes, there is some great shopping. This event has been going on for more than 50 years. It was originally started by farmers and ranchers in Sweetwater who were tired of fending off the scary snakes. Since 1974, proceeds from the event have benefited the Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center, the American Red Cross, MHMR for the mentally handicapped, the Boy and Girl Scouts, Special Olympics and many more.

Having grown up in Abilene, I hold this city close to my heart. When people claim there is nothing to do in this town I am often perplexed. Take a look over just some of the events you can enjoy in Abilene the next few days. An award winning exhibit to be shown in Abilene as a one-time Texas stop? Yep. Talented local entertainment from three respected universities? Sure. A play inspired by Abilene on West Texas history? Of course. Local youths performing before touring internationally? No, there is always something to do in Abilene: let our town inspire you like it does for others.

Our three universities are offering some spectacular entertainment the next few days. First up, McMurry University Dinner Theatre brings you “The Game of Love and Chance,” a romantic comedy about a high-spirited and well born young woman who is concerned about her upcoming, arranged, marriage. She drops in on her unknowing fiancée as her maid and makes her maid pretend to be her; little does she know her fiancée has taken the same precaution with his own servant. Watch the sentimental education unfold between these comedic desperadoes. Call the box office for ticket information: 325-793-3889. Show times are Thursday, February 23, 2012 - Saturday, February 25, 2012. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.; show begins at 7:30 p.m. at McMurry University in the Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Little Theatre

HSU Theater presents international playwright Shauna Kaners original play, “Birds on a Wire” in the Van Ellis Theatre. Kaners was inspired to write this play after spending time in Abilene while directing a play. Focusing on the grit and resilience of a west Texas family who had the fortitude to stay right where they were, despite the hard times of the Dust Bowl and an impending foreclosure. Show times are 7 pm Thursday thru Saturday and 2:30 pm on Sunday.  Call 325-670-1405 to buy tickets.

Abilene Christian University will perform the family friendly Wind Ensemble concert in the Cullen Auditorium Friday at 7:30 pm before leaving to go on tour. The ensemble will tour Brazil during their spring break for a week of music and service. The concert will feature the music of Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin and more. Admission is free. To learn more about their trip, visit http://www.acu.edu/academics/cas/music/calendar.html.

The Giant 3-Ring Circus is marching into the Taylor County Expo Center Coliseum. From the opening act to the final turns of the animals, clowns and performing artists, the magic of the circus enchants spectators of all ages. Share your memories or make new ones at the circus! Call the expo Center at 325-677-4376 or visit http:/circusgatti.simpletix.com/Event/189/Abilene-TX/ for more info.  Times are Friday: 4:15 & 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2 & 7 p.m. on Saturday. Cost is $10 to $30 a person.

Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra Concert presents “A Gershwin Evening” at 8 pm on Saturday night at the Abilene Civic Center. This concert brings some of Gershwin’s best known music featuring Lisa Vroman and Anthony Pattin showcasing Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and many more. Gershwin’s compositions span both popular and classical genres and most of his melodies are widely known. Join for a night celebrating and honoring one of America’s greatest composers. Tickets are $15 to $41 a person. Call the Philharmonic at 325-677-6710 for more information.

Head on over to the Grace Museum to see their new exhibit entitled, “Friends & Neighbors: The Art of Photographing People.” The exhibition is a study in varying approaches to photographing people including formal portraiture, documentary, fine art and avant-garde photography. Whether the locale is the war torn Middle East or a bunk house in rural West Texas, the photographs in this exhibition viewed together remind us of the power of the camera as a tool in the hands of a dedicated and talented photographer to transform a moment in time into a meaningful, expressive and profound statement about the human experience. Need more info? Contact Emerald Cardenas at 325-673-4587.

To keep connected throughout the week, follow us on Twitter @AbileneCVB or like us on Facebook (Abilene, Texas). Happy memory makin’, y’all!

From signing, to barking or quilting to ranching, there is quite a lot of things to chose from the next week in the Big Country!

The Grace Museum will host “Museum Matters: Engaging History” this Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7 pm. Learn more about the art of quilt making by quilt collector Terry Browder. Browder will speak and highlight the connections between the current Sedrick Huckaby exhibit and this historical craft. Take the opportunity to bring your own family heirloom quilt to show and discuss with others. You will also have the chance to win an heirloom quilt donated by Judy Godfrey from her own personal collection. There is no cost; contact Jana Bailey at 325-673-4587 for more information.

The 56th Annual Abilene Christian University “Sing Song” chimes it’s way back into Moody Coliseum this weekend.  Over 1,200 ACU students take the stage to compete for best overall show while performing a cappella with original lyrics set to a medley of popular songs. Cost is $14-$25 a person. Show times are 8 pm Friday and Saturday evening and 2 pm on Saturday afternoon. Visit www.acu.edu/singsong or call Tom Craig at 325-674-4864 to learn more.

Family Fun Saturday at the National Center for Children’s Literature returns from 1 to 4 pm this weekend. NCCIL’s art educators help you and your little ones create a work of art using the style and medium of the featured artist in the gallery. Featured artist is world-renowned children’s author Dan Yaccarino. Have fun with your kiddos while learning and making a special memory. Admission and activities are free. Call 325-673-4586 with questions.

How much is your doggie in the window? Show how priceless your dog is at the Rescue the Animals Annual Fur Ball. This year’s theme is “Bad to the Bone.” Dress you and your dog to win the costume contest. Enjoy a non doggie-dinner for you and a scrumptious doggie buffet for your precious pooch. The festivities will begin at 7 pm at the Abilene Civic Center and end at 10 pm. Call 325-672-SPCA for tickets. Price is $30 for adults and $15 for ages 12 and younger. The Furr Ball benefits Rescue the Animals, SPCA: www.rescuetheanimals.org.

Wedding season is almost upon us! Planning a wedding in 2012? Then head on over to the West Texas Bridal Showcase at the Abilene Civic Center on Sunday from 1 to 5:30 pm. The West Texas Bridal Showcase has been held in San Angelo for over 21 years. Due the demand of the Abilene market, they have decided launch an additional showcase in Abilene. With over 100+ vendors and acclaimed sponsors, they are recognized as a valuable resource for brides. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Call James Pettit at 325-792-7100 for more details or visit www.abileneweddings.com.

The Best of Broadway series is back in the Big Country Tuesday at the Abilene Civic Center. This international sensation makes its triumphant return to Abilene! The global hit brings some new surprises, with sections of the show updated, restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines using props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. USA Today says, “STOMP! finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” Visit http://celebrityattractions.com/index.asp to learn more. Showtime is 7:30 pm. Cost varies from $20 to $50 a person. Tickets are available at the Abilene Civic Center Box Office. You may also purchase them online at www.celebrityattractions.com or call toll free (800)-869-1451.

The Texas Farm-Ranch-Wildlife Expo will be in Abilene Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Agri-businesses from around the region and state showcase their products and services. The show coincides with the Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Association annual meeting, the Texas Wildlife Association meeting, a Future Farmers of America (FFA) judging contest and a luncheon where the “Farm Family of the Year” is recognized. The Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service of Taylor County will also host a Women’s Fair as well as classes that qualify for Continuing Education Units (CEU) credit. Swing by to check out the booths from 9 am to 6 pm Tuesday or 9 to 4 pm on Wednesday. Admission is free to the public. Sponsored by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce; call them at 325-677-7241 for more information.

To keep connected throughout the week, follow us on Twitter @AbileneCVB or like us on Facebook (Abilene, Texas). Happy memory making, y’all!

This weekend Abilene will have our very own homegrown celebrities back in the Big Country! Specialty fairs offer you a chance to buy local, prized craftsmanship for your loved ones and entertainment with local talent means a fun night out!

Starting Thursday through Saturday, the Abilene Christian University Theatre department brings “Proof” to the stage at Fulks Theatre. Winner of the 2001 Pulitizer Prize and Tony Award winner for Best Play, “Proof is a compassionate and knowing play about a young woman who must sort out and deal with a number of long denied feelings and fears upon the death of her father.”** Showtime starts at 7:30 and the cost is $15. Visit www.acu.edu/theatre or call 3235-674-2787 for more information.

(**source: Thomas Burke, from www.acu.edu/theatre calendar posting)

Head over to the Paramount this weekend to watch their classic film, “Moulin Rouge” on Friday and Saturday. This love story features a young, naïve poet who falls in love with a cabaret star; their ill-fated romance is told through a dazzling array of songs. This lavish, colorful and dramatic film stars Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. Show times are 7:30 on Friday and Saturday night and 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for students, seniors, military and children. Call 325-676-9620 for tickets.

Join award-winning artist Dan Yaccarino at the Abilene Public Library as he shares his favorite artistic adventures on Saturday at 10 a.m. Yaccario’s work is currently on display at the National Center for Children’s Literature in downtown Abilene. Children the world over know his works such as Unlovable, The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, Five Little Pumpkins and more. Admission is free; call 325-673-4586 for more information.

Find something special for that special someone in your life at the the 2^nd Annual Valentine Vendor Fair is back at the T&P Event Center this Saturday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. This special shopping event is produced to benefit the Grace Museum. More than 30 artists and artisans from across the Big Country will offer the best in handcrafted, unique gifts. Tickets are $15 a person and includes one raffle ticket. Call Emerald Cardenas at 325-673-4587 for information and tickets.

The 23^rd Annual Disability Resources Big Country Celebrity Ultimate Hunt shoots into Abilene tomorrow through Saturday. West Texans will be excited to hear that Steven McGee, Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley are just a few of the participants who will be in participating in the hunt. Formerly the Big Country Celebrity Quail Hunt, this year the newly named hunt will include a wild hog hunt on Friday. Because of the decline in the quail population, after 23 years the hunt has a new name and a new hunt added. Formerly the Big Country Celebrity Quail Hunt, this year the newly named hunt will include a wild hog hunt on Friday.

Hunters will still hunt quail on Saturday. All hunters will be paired with celebrities, hunting guides and trained dogs while hunting on beautiful West Texas ranches for two full days.  Since its inception, the Big Country Celebrity Ultimate Hunt has raised over $2.5 million to help DRI continue its mission of providing residential care, vocational training, and recreational activities for developmentally disabled individuals in a Christian environment.  For more information about the hunt call Jo Ann Wilson at 325-677-6815.  Tickets for the celebrity dinner on Saturday night can also be purchased individually.

On Saturday join the Expo Center of Taylor County’s board of directors, elected officials and other community leaders for An Evening for the Expo presented by Lawrence Hall Abilene, a night of singers and songwriters. Scotty Emerick will be returning this year, joined by new artists Allen Shamblin and Mike Reid. These artists have combined to produce over 30 number one hits and multiple Grammy Awards. Needless to say, we are extremely excited to welcome this caliber of songwriters to Abilene from Nashville! This event raises money to keep our Expo Center going strong. If you would like to participate or help in anyway, call Rochelle Johnson at 325-677-4376 for more information.

To keep connected throughout the week, follow us on Twitter @AbileneCVB or like us on Facebook (Abilene, Texas). Happy memory making, y’all!

With so much excitement happening in Abilene these next few days, you might be hard pressed to figure out how to spend your time!

Frank Arnold Ministries Gospel Concert will be at the Abilene Civic Center Friday and will begin at 7 p.m. For the past 30 years Arnold has made a career of presenting the highest quality Southern Gospel audiences across the south. Expect to see and hear Southern Gospel’s top artists coupled with quality sound, lighting and video. It’s not about the show, however. “If it was only about entertainment, I wouldn’t keep doing what I’m doing,” Arnold says. “But I see first-hand what can happen when a song is presented and the message touches peoples lives. It’s the most powerful message on earth; the message of Jesus Christ.” Tickets are $20-$25 per person; for more information call 888-205-6723.

Looking to spend some quality time with your kiddos this weekend? The Grace Museum will host 3-5 year-olds and their parents for “Tot Spot” tomorrow at 10 a.m. and Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The popular program is $5 for non-members and free to members; call 325-673-4587 to learn more. Also on Friday “Art Adventure” is back at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL). This mom and tot program for preschoolers combine different aspects of visual and verbal literacy by exposing the children to books and art featured in the gallery. This month your sweetheart will have the opportunity to create their masterpiece about Valentine’s Day! Admission is free and the adventure will begin at 10:30 a.m. Call the NCCIL at 325-673-4586 for more information. Finally, on Saturday, February 4, head over to the Women’s Dillard’s Courtyard in the Mall of Abilene for “Kids in the Kitchen” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Junior League of Abilene, the goal of this event is to empower local youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. Admission is free for you and your little ones and you can call the Junior League office at 325-677-1879 for more info.

The West Texas Sports and Fitness Expo bounces into Abilene this weekend at the Abilene Civic Center. Enjoy sports contests, vendor booths, yummy food and prizes every 30 minutes! Enjoy demonstrations from local area athletes and watch the first ever 3 ON 3 basketball tournament from 8:30 to 5:30 on Saturday. Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for children 12 and younger. Call 325-692-2972 or visit www.wtxsports-expo.com for more information.

The Taylor County Expo Center welcomes the monster truck show “Thunder Slam” this Friday and Saturday. New specialty acts have been added to the show, which already features AMP Tour Monster trucks, FMX and motorcycle demolitions derbies. Show times start at 7:30 each night and tickets cost $15-$30. Need more information? Call 325-677-4376 or visit www.amptour.com.

Celebrate Mardi Gras with The Center for Contemporary Arts Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoy the taste of New Orleans food, catered by Sharon Riley, libation and dance to Cajun style music all while being surrounded by beautiful works of art. There will be a live auction of paintings from two local and celebrated artists: H.C. Zachary and Ash Almonte, as well as a silent auction featuring items such as a Hendrick Health Club membership, 2 VIP passes to the Outlaws and Legends Texas Music Fest, dinner for four at Olivia and a 7 day stay at the Troux Estate. Cost is $100 per person and $800 for a table. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. Two drinks provided with admission and cash bar available. Call Darla Harmon at 325-677-8389 for more information.

To keep connected throughout the week, follow us on Twitter @AbileneCVB or like us on Facebook (Abilene, Texas). Happy Memory making!

Make plans to visit Abilene this Texas Independence Day for the Outlaws & Legends Music Fest March 2-3! The festival kicks off Friday, March 2, with more than 10 artists performing an unplugged acoustic song-swap show from 8 p.m. to midnight, followed on Saturday by the biggest one-day, one-stage Texas music festival from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. The night of March 3 will cap off with a spectacular encore of the artists sharing the stage playing their biggest hits from midnight to 1 a.m. Proceeds will once again benefit the Abilene-based Disability Resources Inc. (DRI), which provides residential care and vocational training to developmentally disabled individuals. Last years Outlaws and Legends Music Fest generated close to $32,000 for DRI.

The festival will take place at Abilene Speedway, 6825 W. Highway 80 in Abilene. Gates will open at 4 p.m. Friday, and attendees must vacate the Speedway by noon on Sunday, March 4. Fans may bring their own cooler, any size, for a fee of $20 per cooler. Three hundred RV spaces are available for $40 each on a first come, first served basis. Vendors will be on site serving food and selling paraphernalia.

The Marshall Tucker Band will headline this year’s festival. This legendary multi-gold and platinum rock and country band has produced 38 albums and 16 Billboard Top 100 hits on the country music and rock charts. Other artists include Roger Creager, Lee Roy Parnell, Mark Powell and Lariat, Gary P. Nunn, Matt Martindale, Eleven Hundred Springs, Jamie Richards, Whiskey Myers, Larry Joe Taylor, Jerrod Medulla, Charlie Shafter, Charla Corn and Bracken Hale. These performers have amassed a combined total of 28 Billboard USA Top 100 singles and close to 100 Texas music chart singles since 1968. This will be a rare opportunity to see many of these legendary Texas artists share the stage during afternoon and evening sessions.

You have till January 31 to purchase general admission tickets for only $30; $35 by March 2 or $45 at the gate. Receive $5 off with college or military I.D. at all ticket locations; not available online. Single tickets may be purchased online at www.outhousetickets.com or at these locations: Kent’s Harley Davidson (Abilene), Image Sculptures (Abilene), First National Bank of Baird locations (Abilene, Baird, Clyde, Brownwood), N-Tune Music (Abilene, Midland, Odessa), or Erath Iron and Metal (Stephenville).

For a full festival schedule and detailed information, visit www.outlawsandlegends.com. Happy Independence Day, ya’ll!

This weekend Abilene gives you the opportunity to catch exciting live performances, games and more. From the young to the young at heart, Abilene truly has something to entertain everyone! We hope you are able to get out and enjoy everything our town has to offer.

For lunch today, why not head over to the Center for Contemporary Arts for their mid-month movie? From noon to 1 p.m. learn how contemporary art addresses the idea of consumption by watching the documentary entitled, “21^st Century Art: Consumption,” which explores different questions through the work of such artists as Barbara Kruger, Michael Ray Charles and more. Admission is free. Call the Center at 325-677-8389 for more information.

Also starting today is the Taylor County Livestock Show and Sale. The show runs through Friday, the 20^th in the Horse Barn and Griffin Arena. Daily show times do vary. Contact the Taylor County Expo Center at 325-677-4376 with any questions.

Watch our local talent slam-dunk the completion this season! Thursday night the Hardin Simmons University Cowgirls and Cowboys will challenge Mary Hardin Baylor in basketball; game times are 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Hardin Simmons. Both teams will play again against Concordia on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3p.m. Tickets are $3 to $6. Call Kim O’Dell at 325-671-5768 for more information.

Friday through Sunday grab your little ones and head over to downtown Abilene to see the Paramount Production of Disney’s the Jungle Book Kids! Watch as this exciting stage adaption of the Disney classic is brought to life with live music, song and dance! A local cast of children aged 8 to 14 are featured in this colorful and lively production.  Show times are 7:30 p.m Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors military and children.

Need a laugh this weekend? The Abilene Community Theatre brings to Abilene the wildly funny farce, “Love, Sex and the I.R.S.” Starting Thursday and running through Saturday, watch two male and out of work musicians room together in New York City try to save money by filing their tax returns listing them as a married couple. Chaos ensues when the IRS sends an investigator to check out the happy husband and wife, a fiancée and ex-girlfriend make an appearance to stir the pot, as well as one of the gentleman’s mother. Showtime starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets for adults are $10, students, seniors and active military are $8 and children 12 and under are $5. Contact the box office at 325-673-6271 if you need more information.

The West Texas Rehab Center Telethon is back this weekend! On Saturday from 7 pm to midnight, watch your favorite television and country western stars, including headliner Summer Sweeney, perform at this annual fundraiser at the Abilene Civic Center. Tickers are $10-$15 dollars a person. Don’t forget to check out their online auctions at www.rehabauction.org to shop a tremendous variety of pieces. Auctions will close at midnight on the 21^st.  Have questions? Call the West Texas Rehab Center at 325-793-3529 to get them answered.

Post what you picked to do after the jump!